British Special Forces Bobbins

These British Special Forces Bobbins were created as a lethal weapon that could be easily hidden and use during espionage and spy operations in World War II. Irregular warfare, especially sabotage and raiding operations and special reconnaissance required the use of unusual weapons.

The Special Operations Executive (SOE) was a British World War II organisation which conducted espionage, sabotage and reconnaissance in occupied Europe and aided local resistance movements. Few people were aware of SOE’s existence. It was also known as the “Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare”. The organisation directly employed or controlled just over 13,000 people, about 3,200 of whom were women.